The announcement said the project represents a $14.56 million investment in Jackson County. Ollie's officials said they plan to hire as many as 175 people in a five-year time frame.
The Ollie's facility in Commerce will support the company's plans to expand its footprint in the Southeast. As part of this growth plan, the company anticipates adding 30-40 stores in Georgia over a four-year period beginning in 2014.
The first Ollie's store was founded in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in 1982 and has grown to become one of America's largest retailers of closeouts, excess inventory and salvage merchandise, with 154 stores in 14 states.
A 962,000-square-foot distribution center will be located in the 450-acre Commerce 85 Industrial Park, at the intersection of I-85 and GA Highway 98 in Commerce. Once in operation, the distribution facility will support Ollie's retail expansion into Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.
"We are delighted to expand our distribution operations into Commerce," said Ollie's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Swygert.
"Commerce is an ideal location for our business and Jackson County has received us with open arms. We look forward to bringing new jobs and opportunities to the area."
"We are excited about the expansion of Ollie's into the Southeast," said Commerce Mayor Dr. Clark Hill. "The entire council and I are especially proud that they have chosen Commerce and Jackson County for their distribution hub. The city of Commerce looks forward to Ollie's growth and prosperity in our community."
"We are very excited Ollie's has chosen Commerce and Jackson County," said Jackson County Commission Chairman Tom Crow. "They will be a great addition to our business community. This announcement now gives us strong industrial parks at all of Jackson County's exits along the I-85 Corridor."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/1/270239